By Kathi Pelton
Our neighbors have numerous fruit trees of different kinds that line our back fence. These trees create a natural barrier between our homes that give greater privacy. But two years ago we watched in horror as the owner of the property behind us took a chain saw and took every tree down to just below the fence line.
Not only did it leave our house and yard completely exposed but I was certain that he most likely killed the tress. My husband, who loved the trees and the privacy they provided, sat and watched the cutting of these trees with disbelief and frustration. It was not like any “pruning” we’d ever seen and yet that was what this neighbors intentions were.
Well, two years later these trees have not only grown back (and much taller than they were before the drastic cutting of them), but we have never seen so much fruit on them! Their branches hang over into our yard and have provided such an abundance of fruit that we have not had to purchase any fruit this summer.
Why am I sharing this story?
About the time of the cutting of these trees we also saw within the church what was like a drastic and dramatic pruning— it appeared more like a cutting down that exposed what was once hidden or kept private— and was honestly a horror to watch happen. It was frustrating, it changed the scenery, it removed barriers that blocked the view of what was going on, etc.
Yet, maybe our neighbors trees are prophesying?
Though they were cut down to mere stumps— removing all privacy and branches— just two years later they are thriving like never before. The abundance of fruit on them is unprecedented and more than we can consume (and we merely enjoy the overhanging branches).
I believe that we are coming into a time of thriving! Though the Church in America felt like we were cut down to mere stumps, I believe that we are about to see the branches of the church provide shade, covering, abundant life and be more fruitful than we ever imagined. The branches will hang over into other nations and they too will eat of the fruit of the harvest that comes out of a time of deep pruning. Even the seeds of the fruit that hang into other nations will begin to drop seeds and grow in that land; causing more fruitful trees that thrive with abundance in a new place.
“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3
This will also happen for Israel! A festive praise out will come out of the ruins and mourning of a music featival that brought despair.
For months now I have been seeing the numbers 613 and the Lord has been releasing continuous revelations regarding what he is doing. There is mercy associated with these numbers and there is a promise of covenant within these numbers— and now once again, they carry a restorative promise for his people. I’ll share more about 613 in another article soon.
Isaiah 61:3 is one of those restorative and merciful promises.
We have been pruned— even cut deep— but the Lord is restoring us to better than before and we will be a great and strong tree again! And our fruit will be enjoyed in abundance by all who come near.
Thank You!
Oceans in the Desert 
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